NNSA Conducts Emergency Response Training Course in Armenia

The course had 40 participants from 18 ministries and various organizations from throughout Armenia. The training was conducted by personnel from NSTec’s Remote Sensing Laboratory at Joint Base Andrews and Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, Nev.

“The training is a continuation of the strong cooperation in emergency management between NNSA and Armenia,” said NNSA Associate Administrator for Emergency Operations Joseph Krol. “I am pleased that NNSA is able to continue our partnership with Armenia in helping to improve its emergency management programs.”

The I-CM training course provided attendees with information and data on means and methods for setting up and establishing a monitoring and assessment program following a nuclear/radiological incident or event. Participants also received hands-on equipment training in techniques for monitoring as well as instruction in data collection and analysis.

In addition to NNSA’s primary mission to ensure the safety, security and effectiveness of the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile without the use of underground nuclear testing, the agency provides the United States government’s primary capability for radiological and nuclear emergency response and for providing security to the nation from the threat of nuclear terrorism. With this expertise, NNSA provides nuclear emergency response support to local law enforcement, the Department of Homeland Security, the FBI and emergency responders in other countries.

NNSA currently collaborates with more than 80 foreign governments and 10 international organizations, with projects ranging from providing assistance in improving emergency preparedness and response programs, to joint collaborative activities to improve emergency management infrastructure worldwide.

Established by Congress in 2000, NNSA is a semi-autonomous agency within the U.S. Department of Energy responsible for enhancing national security through the military application of nuclear science. NNSA maintains and enhances the safety, security, reliability and performance of the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile without nuclear testing; works to reduce global danger from weapons of mass destruction; provides the U.S. Navy with safe and effective nuclear propulsion; and responds to nuclear and radiological emergencies in the U.S. and abroad.